Griffin scores 33 as Clippers spoil Kings’ opener
Blake Griffin scored 33 points, and the LA Clippers beat the Sacramento Kings 111-104 in the season opener for both teams at Sleep Train Arena.
Paul Pierce’s 10-foot fadeaway put the Clippers ahead for good with 2:21 left in the fourth quarter.
The Kings got within 104-102 on Rajon Rondo’s layup with 57 seconds to play, but Chris Paul answered with a 15-foot fadeaway, and the Kings got no closer.
Paul’s 2 free throws with 11.6 seconds left made it 110-104 and put it away.
During clutch time, the Clippers outscored the Kings 13-7. JJ Redick scored 5 of the Clippers’ 13 on 1 for 2 shooting and 2 for 2 at the line.
For the Kings, DeMarcus Cousins had 32 points and 13 rebounds.
The Clippers shot 52.5% from the field to the Kings’ 43.6%. The Clippers’ starters outscored the Kings 43-31 in 15 minutes together. Cousins fouled out.